Best pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust

If you’re looking to wow friends at your next fall gathering, pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust is the secret weapon you’ve been searching for. Nothing beats the aroma of fresh pumpkin and buttery shortbread wafting through the kitchen—except maybe biting into one of these bars. Pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust delivers all the beloved flavors of classic pie, but with a melt-in-your-mouth cookie base that’s so much easier to make.

Imagine a celebration of cozy spices, silky pumpkin filling, and a crisp shortbread crust that doesn’t leave you wrestling with a rolling pin. With pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust, you’ll transform any ordinary afternoon into a festive occasion. Grab your apron—dessert greatness awaits.

7 Reasons Pumpkin Pie Bars Shortbread Crust Will Level Up Your Dessert Game

Are you tired of fussy pie doughs and patchy crimping? Pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust is the answer. Here’s why these bars will totally change your autumn baking—no baking anxiety required.

• Easy press-in shortbread crust means no rolling, chilling, or panic attacks.
• The filling is ultra-creamy and bakes evenly, so every bite is magical.
• Feeds a crowd—just slice, serve, and bask in the compliments.
• Stays fresh for days and travels like a champ to potlucks or parties.
• Perfect balance of sweet, spice, and buttery crunch in every mouthful.
• Only basic pantry staples needed—no obscure ingredients or last-minute store runs.
• Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests.

Curious about the roots of this fall favorite? For more history on pumpkin pie traditions, check out this fascinating resource from Wikipedia. For more ideas, check out our guide on No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars.

Pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust is here to save your holiday season—one delicious square at a time.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• Pinch of salt
• 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt together. Add cold butter, cut in with a pastry cutter or fork, until crumbly.
3. Press the shortbread crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
4. While crust bakes, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk until perfectly smooth—feel free to show off those muscles.
5. Pour the pumpkin filling over the warm, pre-baked crust, spreading evenly to corners.
6. Bake 40–50 minutes, or until edges are set and the center jiggles just a little. (That jiggle is your friend!)
7. Let bars cool to room temp for 1 hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours for clean slicing.
8. Remove from pan using parchment, cut into squares, and serve with whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Pie Bars Like an Expert

Keep your pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust irresistible with these tips:

• Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The shortbread crust stays crisp, and the pumpkin gets even creamier.
• For longer storage, freeze bars (without topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap well in plastic, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• To refresh the crust, warm bars briefly at 300°F for 8 minutes. Top with whipped cream after heating.
• Avoid microwaving: It can make the crust a little sad and soggy—your taste buds deserve better.

7 Game-Changing Benefits of Pumpkin Pie Bars Shortbread Crust

• No rolling pin or pie weights makes pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust a stress-free dessert.
• Shortbread crust offers a tender crunch that’s impossible to achieve with traditional pie dough.
• Perfect for sharing at large gatherings without worrying about messy slices.
• Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of caramel for extra flair.
• Kid-friendly to make and eat—let them press the crust or sneak a taste of the filling.
• Stays delicious for days, making prep ahead for holidays a breeze.
• Adapts to gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.

Want to learn more about the nutritional profile of pumpkin? Check out these insights from Nutrition.gov to see why pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust is not just tasty, but also nutritious! For more ideas, check out our guide on Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Pumpkin Pie Bars Shortbread Crust

• Overmixing the shortbread dough can lead to tough crust. Stop when crumbly—rustic is good!
• Baking the filling too long will make it dry. Look for a gentle jiggle in the middle.
• Cutting bars before they’re fully cooled makes for pumpkin mush, not bars. Chill time is crucial.
• Forgetting parchment paper can lead to sticky situations. It’s a baker’s best friend—trust me.
• Under-spicing leaves the flavor flat. Pump up those fall spices for max coziness.

Alternatives and Variations for Every Pumpkin Lover

• Swap pumpkin puree with sweet potato or butternut squash for a different spin.
• For a gluten-free version, use your favorite 1:1 GF flour blend in the crust.
• Make it dairy-free by using coconut oil for the crust and coconut milk in the filling—seriously yum!
• Add chopped pecans or a streusel topping for extra crunch.
• Feeling extra? Drizzle with maple glaze or a dash of chocolate chips before serving.

Wrapping Up: Your New Go-To Fall Treat

When you want pure comfort, pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust delivers every time. With simple ingredients and a fuss-free method, anyone can whip up this crowd-pleasing treat.

Pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust is bound to become your signature recipe for potlucks, holidays, or cozy family nights.

Can’t get enough pumpkin inspiration? Explore these expert pumpkin dessert ideas from Food Network for even more baking magic.

Ready to turn on the oven? Try pumpkin pie bars shortbread crust today, and share your sweet success with us—your fall baking adventure starts now!